A photo on Friday — and better yet, a Quiet Bin Idea photo! (To complement my eBook A Year of Educational Quiet Bins). We are still loving (loving) our quiet bins. This is one of our newer ones, tiny strips of paper with some tape for making paper chain necklaces, bracelets, and rings. What do…
Quiet Time Ideas for Kids
How’s that cold cup of coffee, Mama? Oh wait – it’s in the microwave (cold yet again) right? I KNOW. I have been there. You need (desperately) quiet time ideas for kids. Whether you have a toddler or preschooler who is just outgrowing his nap or you are looking for independent play ideas so you…
Tried and True Busy Bags
Have you noticed that I write a TON about quiet time activities in this space, but not a lot about busy bags? There is a reason for that! Quiet time in our home is about resting and allowing little ones some mindful time. Quiet time is FAR more than simply keeping little ones busy. I…
Loose Parts Play Ideas
Do you know about ‘loose parts play’? This is an idea that was introduced to me a few years ago in the Kindergarten classroom. I have used loose parts with my own children pretty much every single day since then. The idea is so very simple, and the learning is so very powerful. The idea…
Splashingly Fun Bath Time Activities for Toddlers!
I am super excited to share with you one of my very best parenting tips today. This is my absolute go to when my toddlers or preschoolers are having one of “those” days. This simple trick has saved me time and again … Pop them in the bath. I tell you, a well timed play…
5 Busy Bags with ANY Deck of Cards
Oh Busy bags! You just have to love them! Though I really don’t love the name, to be honest. Busy bags sound to me like they are about keeping kids busy. While that is all well and fine (and certainly can serve a purpose), I prefer to think of them as quiet time activities. Quiet…
The Easiest Woven Baskets
It’s that time of year for all of those fresh, local berries and goodies! We have been visiting our local farmer’s market each week and each week I am so thankful that there are gardeners far better than I. This also means that we have been getting oodles of those green plastic baskets too. And oodles…
What to Do While Waiting with Kids…
Sometimes we simply have to wait. We were away for a few days which meant I wasn’t in as much control as I typically am with scheduling outings and activities. This also meant sometimes my little ones were waiting in a line when they were not at their best. A little tired, a little irritable,…
Building Pictures
Do you know what I have been loving once again? Our quiet bins. I had honestly not been utilising them to their full potential for a few months with Sam. He has just turned 8 and I thought he was getting kind of big for them. He likes to read, draw, or look at his…
The Best Quiet Time Activities for Kids
You made it! You have made it to your crowning day. Today you will officially become a Quiet Time Queen. I bet you will love it — the coffee is warm, the kids are rested, and life is good. Today I will share the last part of our series on Quiet Time — the activities!…